SMDHU Letter to Businesses Regarding Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development Inspections
The following letter has been provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
September 28, 2021 - To persons responsible for a business or organization in the municipalities in the County of Simcoe, the District of Muskoka, and the Cities of Orillia and Barrie:
We have been informed that from October 4 to October 6, 2021, the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) will once again be conducting education and compliance visits to businesses across Simcoe Muskoka to ensure they are following public health guidelines and properly protecting workers and the public from COVID-19.
The MLTSD will be working with local police services, public health (public health inspectors and tobacco enforcement officers) as well as a number of municipal law enforcement officers to visit local businesses, particularly those that must now require proof of vaccination from patrons 12 years of age and older. The visits will focus on educating businesses and organizations about the proof of vaccination requirement and confirming compliance with the provincial Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 and associated regulations. This is in line with the measured approach to enforcement taken by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) throughout the pandemic in working with our municipalities, bylaw departments, police and the provincial government to assist businesses and organizations in understanding their responsibilities under the Reopening Ontario Act.
Some of the protective safety measures in the Reopening Ontario Act regulations include:
- Applicable businesses and organizations are responsible for checking for proof of vaccination and proof of identification from patrons aged 12 years and older.
- Safety plans must be written and posted where easily seen by staff and patrons.
- Proper use of masks and face coverings.
- Capacity limits to ensure proper 2 metre physical distancing.
Businesses are encouraged to visit the SMDHU website often for information and resources to support them in operating in compliance with COVID-19 public health measures. SMDHU’s Health Connection line is also available at 1-877-721-7520 (Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm). SMDHU can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Thank you for your continued efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Sincerely,
ORIGINAL Signed By:
Charles Gardner, MD, CCFP, MHSc, FRCPC Medical Officer of Health
For questions or concerns regarding the information above, please contact the SMDHU directly.